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The health of coral reefs is essential to the welfare of hundreds of millions of people. Scuba dive or snorkel to collect data that will help preserve them.

Tropical coral reefs are some of the most species-rich places in the world. They also protect land from ocean waves and provide food and income for the communities around them. But humans aren’t returning the favor: we overuse their resources and pollute their waters. These threats add to the potentially devastating impacts of rapid climate change, which could alter reefs to a point where they can no longer provide us with the services we need - and where some of the plants and animals they support no longer exist.

Off shores of these tropical islands, you’ll scuba dive* or snorkel alongside researchers to explore the undersea landscape and collect data to protect it. You’ll shoot underwater video, use high-tech instruments to investigate how corals absorb and use light, and survey the reef for fish. Back on land, you’ll help with aquarium experiments and data analysis. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll work on materials to inform the Seychelles government and other groups about the plight of the reefs. Your work may create awareness that will preserve reefs and protect the species that depend on them—us, for one.

*Divers must be scuba certified (CMAS 2 star = PADI Rescue or BASC Sports) or have logged at least 30 dives (five within the year before the expedition).

NOTE: Due to accommodation restrictions, some teams may be recruiting only female participants or only male participants.

Lead scientists

Accommodations and food

Why the research is important

Why the research is important

Corals are powered by single-celled algae that live in their tissues and require sunlight for photosynthesis.

Scientists estimate that human threats, including global warming, could kill 30 percent of existing coral reefs in the next 30 years.

This research focuses on reef-building corals, the key architects of their ecosystems. The growth of these corals (which is powered by the single-celled algae that live in them) forms reef structures. Their health and productivity largely determine the overall biodiversity—the variety of forms of life—of a reef system.

The researchers also pay close attention to the types and abundance of coral reef fish, because they are excellent indicators of the overall health of a reef. By focusing on these two areas—fish life and the corals themselves—the researchers can link how healthy a reef is—that is, how many and what kinds of fish it is supporting—to the condition of the coral. Ultimately, they hope to understand how vulnerable key coral species are to environmental stress like climate change, and identify what conditions enhance the corals’ tolerance of this stress.

Help assess the health of one of the world’s most stunning coral reefs.

Gaining a better understanding of how reefs work is only the first step. These researchers then translate their work into practice by providing policymakers and local people with the information they need to counteract the threats to coral reefs. By supporting this research, you support policy and education that could save some of the world’s most beautiful and diverse ecosystems.

About the research area

Curieuse Island, Seychelles, Africa

The Seychelles consists of about 115 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean just south of the equator. You’ll spend most of your time on two of these, Curieuse and Praslin, which border one of the country’s six beautiful marine national parks.

Praslin is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Seychelles and has many hotels and resorts. Its 6,500 residents live in small coastal villages and depend on tourism and fishing—in other words, on the coral reefs—for their living.

The tranquil Curieuse Island is famous for its beaches and lush forests of coco-de-mer palms—a tree that naturally occurs only on Curieuse and Praslin. The island also hosts hundreds of giant tortoises, which were sent there from Aldabra Island in the Indian Ocean after Charles Darwin advised using Curieuse as a tortoise sanctuary. If you explore the island via one of its many nature trails, you may also spot vibrant green geckos and a dazzling array of birds.

You’ll spend most of your days conducting research on one of the many picturesque beaches. After an early breakfast, the team will prepare equipment and head to the beach to:

Dive or snorkel and survey the reef. While in the water, you'll observe and identify species of the fish you see and look at variables like algae cover to assess the health of the reef. Later, you'll enter the data you collect.

Analyze underwater video. You'll also keep an eye on the reef while on land. You'll learn to analyze video taken by underwater video cameras to see what species are swimming around the reefs.

Create educational materials. To help these researchers share their findings and the importance of conservation with a large, influential audience, ou may help put together handouts or presentations for local government groups and community organizations.

The team will have at least one full recreational day to explore the islands. You might spend a restful afternoon on one of the stunning beaches, visit the tortoise sanctuary on Curieuse, hike through the coco-de-mer forests, or take in some of Praslin’s cultural attractions.

MEET THE OTHER SCIENTISTS

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations and Food

Beachfront guesthouse

Peaceful tropical environment

Fresh seafood

You’ll stay just steps from the beach in a simple guesthouse with two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a sitting room. You’ll share the bedrooms with a few other team members (singles and private couples rooms aren’t available), which means you’ll get the true bonding experience that comes with living and working with fellow researchers on a scientific expedition.

A cook will prepare breakfast and dinner at the guesthouse. Seychellois cuisine has diverse influences, including Creole, Indian, and Chinese, and you can expect lots of fresh fish and rice (vegetarian options are usually available). You’ll pack a lunch to take to the beach with you each day.